Paul was able to get together with Perry and Della within the next day or two. He was going to bring them up – to – date on the contest thing.
"I have news to share," Paul said.
"What's that? Any luck on picking the winners?" Perry asked.
"Yes. I talked with them just a couple days ago. They are a few kids that solve mysteries with a dog that tags along."
"You mean as a bloodhound?"
"One of the kids told me the dog was a Great Dane. I told that kid we'll try to make arrangements."
"I see what you mean, Paul. You can tell us the names of the kids you picked out."
"I talked with this kid called Fred. He has a few other friends that I chose also. I forget their names, but he did mention them."
"Where are they from?" Della asked.
"Not sure. I didn't ask that question since it never came to my mind."
"Paul, you can chose whoever you want. This whole thing was your idea in the first place," Perry replied.
"I know. I came up with it because I thought it would be something fun."
"And it is," Della agreed.
"At least we now have my father's murder, so we can send these kids out whenever they get plans."
"I told them we would do everything. I did mention to this Fred kid about their dog. I don't remember if I shared with you guys on this, but I can't have that dog at my place because of those allergies. I'll do my best to be careful around that dog."
"We forgot about that. Thanks for the reminder, Paul. You can tell those kids I wouldn't mind taking him while they're here."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes," Perry answered.
"Okay. I did add that you said you wouldn't mind paying their bill."
"Of course I don't."
"At least you're being generous, Perry," Della agreed.
"I know, but I thought I had to do something instead of just having somebody come for the fun of it to work with me about my father."
"How is your mother taking it?" Della asked.
"I haven't talked to her since that call, but I know it's hard on her like it is to me."
"Understandable," Paul said as Della agreed.
"It would be interesting to have a dog with me on my father's murder case."
Both Della and Paul agreed with him.
"Did you ask what the dog's name was?" Perry asked.
"No," was the answer.
"It's not a big deal," Perry told him.
"I know. He says the dog happens to be very friendly."
"Sounds like the kid you're telling us might be the leader of the group."
"I agree, even though we haven't met them yet. Maybe we should decide on transportation when the kids come out."
"That's no big deal, Paul. They can come up with something on their own."
"I think you mean rental car," Della said.
"Exactly."
"A lot of people do that when they travel," Perry added.
Neither Paul or Della said anything.
"You sound like you want to talk with those kids anytime soon," Paul said.
"Thinking about it. I might need their number again. I forgot what it was when I talked with the news about my father."
Paul wrote it down.
"Here you go, Perry. You might be better at talking about this then me."
Perry didn't bother saying anything.
That same night after work, he decided to wait for a while and call Fred and his friends up.
At least he was able to do this while it was still in his mind.
He dialed the number and listened to it ring.
"Hello?" a girl's voice said.
"Who is this?" he asked.
"I'm Velma. Nice to hear from you again, Mr. Mason. What did you call us about?"
"My private investigator, Paul Drake had talked with one of your friends earlier. You and your friends can talk about arrangements with me. Congratulations on being the lucky winners Paul chose."
"Thank you, Mr. Mason. We'd love to do it again anytime," Velma told him.
"I know. Is your friend at home or do you want to talk with me?"
"You can talk with me. Fred's out to a movie with Daphne. Shaggy is somewhere around here with Scooby."
Now it was getting Perry the idea of the names.
"I told Paul that I was happy to pay for your visit while you're out here with me."
"He mentioned that to Fred," Velma said.
"I told him that I wouldn't mind looking after your dog. That's what we need to talk about in this conversation."
"We haven't made any arrangements for hotels yet, Mr. Mason. We're still excited to meeting you finally and help whatever we can. Does that mean we get to go to the courtroom with you?"
"Yes," he answered.
"That's cool! I'll pass that on to the others. They'll think it's cool," Velma said.
He didn't say anything after that. When he did, he said, "Miss Velma, it was a pleasure talking with you. Please give myself or Paul a call when you have plans arranged."
"Thank you, Mr. Mason. We'll do exactly that. Have a good – evening."
"Same to you," he returned.
That was the end of their conversation. Perry was happy that was done.